Appearance
Summary
Wired Ethernet provides the fastest, most stable internet connection — until it suddenly stops working. If you've plugged in an Ethernet cable but your computer is still using Wi-Fi (or has no internet at all), this guide will help you find and fix the problem.
Symptoms
- You plug in an Ethernet cable, but the network icon in the taskbar still shows Wi-Fi or a disconnected globe icon
- Windows says "Unidentified network" or "No Internet access"
- Your docking station connects your monitors and USB devices, but the internet doesn't work
Before You Start
- An Ethernet cable plugged into your computer (or docking station) and the wall jack (or router)
Instructions
1. Check the Physical Connections
A loose cable is the number one cause of Ethernet failures.
- Unplug both ends of the Ethernet cable (from your computer/dock and from the wall or router).
- Look at the plastic clip on the end of the cable. If the small plastic tab is broken off, the cable won't sit securely and needs to be replaced.
- Plug both ends back in. You should hear a distinct "click" when the cable seats properly.
- Look for lights: Most Ethernet ports have two small LED lights next to them. If the cable is connected and receiving data, you will see a solid green/orange light and a blinking light. If it's completely dark, the port is dead or the cable is broken.
If the lights are on but the taskbar still shows Wi-Fi or a disconnected globe, the cable is doing its job and Windows is ignoring it. Continue to Step 2.
2. Disable Wi-Fi to Force the Ethernet Connection
Sometimes Windows gets confused when both Wi-Fi and Ethernet are available and tries to use the weaker Wi-Fi signal.
- Click the network icon (Wi-Fi or globe) in the bottom right corner of your taskbar.
- Click the Wi-Fi button to turn it off.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Check if the network icon changes to the Ethernet symbol (a computer monitor with a plug next to it). If it does, you're connected. If the icon stays a globe, or you now have no connection at all, Windows is not bringing the wired adapter up. Continue to Step 3.
3. Restart the Network Adapter
If Windows doesn't recognize the cable, resetting the software adapter often fixes it.
- Click the Start button and type
ncpa.cpl, then press Enter. This opens the Network Connections window. - Find the icon labeled Ethernet (it might also say the name of your docking station, like "Realtek USB GbE").
- Right-click the Ethernet icon and select Disable.
- Wait 5 seconds until the icon turns grey.
- Right-click it again and select Enable.
- Wait for Windows to identify the network. If it settles on "Unidentified network", or there was no Ethernet icon in this window to restart, the adapter you need may belong to a docking station rather than the laptop. Continue to Step 4.
4. Troubleshoot Docking Station Ethernet
A dock brings its own network adapter, and that is a separate thing to check.
If your Ethernet cable is plugged into a USB-C docking station or dongle, rather than directly into the laptop:
- Unplug the dock from your laptop and plug it back in.
- Check if the Ethernet cable is plugged into the correct port on the dock (some docks have two similar-looking ports, but only one is for Ethernet).
- If you have a secondary USB-C port on your laptop, try moving the dock's cable to the other port.
- See How to Set Up a Docking Station with Your Laptop for more docking station tips.
If the dock still drives your monitors and USB devices but the network icon has not changed, the dock's network adapter needs a full reset along with the rest of Windows' network settings. Continue to Step 5.
5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that can automatically reset your IP address and clear out network jams.
On Windows 11:
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Click Run next to Network and Internet.
- Follow the prompts.
On Windows 10:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
- Click Network troubleshooter.
- Select Ethernet and follow the prompts.
If the troubleshooter finishes without fixing it, or reports that Ethernet has no valid IP configuration, the fault is outside your computer — most often a wall port that has been switched off. Raise a ticket giving the number printed on the wall port faceplate, whether the lights on the port come on, and whether the same cable works at a colleague's desk.
Troubleshooting
WARNING
If your computer says "Unidentified network" while you are at the office, the port in the wall might be deactivated for security reasons. IT teams often disable unused wall ports to prevent unauthorized access. You'll need to submit a ticket to have the port activated.
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No lights on the Ethernet port | Broken cable or dead port | Try a different cable; if at the office, ask IT to check the wall port |
| "Unidentified network" | Computer isn't receiving an IP address | Run the Network Troubleshooter; in the office, ask IT to activate the wall port and quote the number printed on its faceplate |
| "Network cable unplugged" but it is plugged in | Broken plastic tab on cable | Replace the Ethernet cable |
| Docking station Ethernet fails repeatedly | Outdated dock firmware | Contact IT to update the docking station's firmware/drivers |
| Internet works via Wi-Fi but not Ethernet | Corporate security policy | The wall port may be disabled; request activation from IT |